Archive for Moving Supplies

Moving is work, there’s no getting around it. Proper planning in the months and weeks leading up to moving day can really help make the move successful and much less stressful. Moving to a new location can be fun it is well planned and organized. Here are some tips that might help you plan a successful move.

Beware of used boxes.
Collecting used boxes can certainly save money however there can also be pitfalls. Beware of used produce boxes, or any boxes that have been exposed to moisture. These boxes often become weakened by the moisture. Also, insects often next in used boxes.

Get uniform box sizes when possible.
Try to get boxes with no more than 2-3 different sizes. It is much more difficult and a waste of space when trying to stack boxes of various sizes in a moving truck or storage area.

Don’t over pack boxes and seal shut.
It is much more efficient to have move more boxes with one person than to move boxes that takes more than one person to lift, not to mention that lifting heavy boxes can lead to injury. Also, be sure you can seal your boxes level closed with clear packing tape. Duct tape does not adhere well to corrugated cardboard and your boxes will fall apart. Boxes that are fully sealed and level also stack better and save space with greater safety for the contents.

Mark boxes with contents and destination.
Use a bold marker to identify contents of box and their destination example: “Clothes – Johnny’s Room”. Mark on all sides and also indicate “Fragile” or “Top” when appropriate. This will help streamline the unpacking and locating of items when you arrive to your destination.

Pack early and often.
Start packing non-essential items as soon as you know you will be moving. Pack more items as you get closer to moving day.

Keep plenty of packing supplies on hand.
Packing supplies go fast. There is nothing worse that being in the middle of packing are realize you are short on boxes or sealing tape. Packing supplies should include a selection of boxes, markers, newsprint, tissue paper, bubble wrap, sealing tape and zip lock baggies. See our moving box calculator to help with estimating moving supplies.

Use linens for packing.
Your linens such as towels and cloths can be used as great packing material, especially for fragile items such as kitchen glassware and dishes.

Be clear on what you have contracted your moving company to do.
If your contract is for just moving the big items, don’t expect them to also move all the boxes without an additional fee. Have you contracted them to also tear-down and set-up the big items? Also be aware that my federal law, and some internal policy, there are some items that moving companies cannot transport. These items can include , but not limited to, Hazardous Materials, flammable corrosive or explosive items, perishables, plants, gasoline, loaded guns and poisons to name a few items. If you are working with a local moving company be sure you understand their policies in advance.

Jay D’Agostino is the founder of AnythingNOW LLC, a Moving, Delivery & Storage trucking company serving Florida since 1992.

Moving can be riddled with many challenges and often underestimated. It is not uncommon. The moving box calculator below is designed to give you a rough idea of how many boxes you will need for your move. It is also a useful guide when determining how many boxes to account for when obtaining a moving quote.

# of Rooms# of Boxes by Size

1-2

2-3

3-4

4-5

5-6

6-7

7-8

8-9

9-10

10+

Small Boxes
Approx 1.5-3.0 Cubic Ft

8

16

24

32

40

48

56

64

72

80

Medium Boxes
Approx 4.5 Cubic Ft.

4

8

12

16

20

24

28

32

36

40

Large Boxes
Approx 6.0 Cubic ft.

2

4

6

8

10

12

14

16

18

20

Wardrobe Boxes

1

2

3

3

3

4

4

4

5

6

SMALL BOXES: Best for small heavy objects like books, records, cans, jars of food, utensils, shoes etc.
MEDIUM BOXES: Best for medium size or relatively lightweight objects such as pillows, bedding and stuffed animals.
LARGE BOXES: Best for larger items. Do not pack overly heavy items in one box as it will become too difficult for one person to move.

Other packing supplies you might need:

Packing Paper/Newsprint: Great for wrapping items to prevent scratching. Also can be used as cushioning when scrunched up.

Tissue Paper: Softer than newsprint and great for delicate items . Also excellent for cushioning and fills small spaces, particularly helpful when packing fragile items.

Bubble Wrap: This plastic packing material is made up of hundres of tiny bubbles or air cushions. Excellent over wrap for exceptionally delicate items after they are wrapped in tissue.

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